Working with a Professional Interpreter

Will you be needing a professional interpreter?

Communicating can be a challenge, and it gets even trickier if you need to get the message across on a different language. However, there’s nothing to fear if you came prepared and you hired the right professional interpreter.

People all over the world participate in business meetings, conferences, seminars and events. To ensure that the attendees contribute and benefit from the occasion, the professional interpreter bridges that gap between cross-cultural communication.

You’ve gone through the entire process of hiring the right interpreter. The next thing you need to do is prepare for the main event. Unlike translators, interpreters don’t have the time to think or research for the right words or terms. Interpretation has to be done “live” in the meeting. That is the stress that comes with their job so it’s best that proper communication is given prior to the occasion.

Tips on Working with a Professional Interpreter

Set up a meeting prior to the event. Set your expectations with your interpreter. For example, let him know how you want the meeting to run. How many sentences will he translate at a time? If you foresee any difficult issues, warn your interpreter beforehand so he can prepare. You may also want to discuss trivial matters such as where should he be seated during the meeting. Make the interpreter understand that they should never answer questions on your behalf.

If you will be reading from a script, always give your professional interpreter a copy of it. They will do a better job if they are more familiar with the subject matter.

Speaking to a crowd who you know speaks a different language can sometimes leave you feeling uncomfortable, and more so if you’re right in the middle of the spotlight. Relax. Even though you don’t understand what the interpreter is saying, never forget engaging with your audience. Maintain eye contact

Avoid humor if you can. Jokes often don’t have the same impact of humor when rendered in a different language compared to its impact when told in the original language. If you do need to share one, better consult the interpreter first to see if it will work. Otherwise, skip it and think of better ways to engage the audience.

Don’t rush. It is already mentally exhausting enough to interpret the messages. Speaking in a fast pace will result to the interpreters becoming more stressed and could affect the quality of their translation.

Interpreters are hired to translate what’s being said. They shouldn’t alter or change what you said even if they think it’s offensive. Inform the interpreter if you will be discussing a sensitive or controversial issue. Before you start off your speech, you can perhaps let your audience know that what will be said is your opinion and not the interpreter’s.

These are just a few tips that should hopefully help you get the best out of your interpreter and the event/meeting that you will be planning. Should you have a need for the services of a professional interpreter, contact Language Direct now to get a quote.

Book here | Request a Quote